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ACTIVITY in Introduction, Culminating Project. Last updated April 25, 2019.

Summary

In this project, students will develop a toy or elementary school project into an inquiry demonstration suitable for a high school chemistry class.

Grade Level

High school

Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students should be able to

  • Bulleted list of what students should be able to do by the end of the lesson.
  • Should be specific and measureable

Chemistry Topics

This lesson supports students’ understanding of

  • Chemistry basics

Time

Teacher Preparation:

None

Lesson:

1–1.5 weeks

Materials

Students design their own project and are responsible for providing their own materials.

Safety

  • Teacher should consult with groups to see what chemicals they are purchasing. Safety precautions depend on the project each group decides to persue.

Teacher Notes

  • This resource could be used as a post-AP Chemistry exam activity.
  • Grading rubric and student evaluation form included in Grading Rubric file.
  • This project was assigned after the AP Chemistry exam, in lieu of a final exam in the course. Students were given 1 week in class to research and prepare for the activity. They demonstrated creativity with their choices of activities, but also had a lot of fun showing off their knowledge to their fellow students.

For the Student

Lesson


Background

Develop a toy or elementary school project into an inquiry demonstration suitable for a high school chemistry class.

By _____________you and your partner(s) are responsible for developing a toy or elementary school project into an inquiry demonstration and performing it for the class.

Purpose

Many toys have been turned into science lessons suitable for elementary school students (example: http://www.omsi.edu/chemunit-3). Your challenge is to find a creative way to use a toy or elementary school project to teach a high school chemistry concept.

Guidelines

  • Demonstrations and discussion should be 8–10 minutes.
  • You must work in a group of two or three total. No exceptions.
  • You must be ready to perform your demonstration in front of the class, using your inquiry worksheet, on ____________. Names will be drawn in random order. If you are not ready when your name is drawn, you will be penalized 10 points.
  • You and your partner(s) are responsible for purchasing all toys or chemicals needed.
  • If using chemicals, all chemicals should be readily available in a grocery or drug store.
  • You must develop, type, and photocopy a one-page inquiry worksheet. The inquiry worksheet must consist of a series of questions about the demonstration to guide students to a conclusion that relates to a chemical concept.
  • Your grade will consist of a written packet (50%) your demonstration (20%), creative development of a high school chemistry concept (20%), and a peer evaluation (10%) done by the other member(s) of your group.
  • The written packet should contain:
  • Enough copies of a one-page inquiry worksheet with questions for everyone in the class,
  • One copy with purpose, introduction, materials list, and procedure for the demonstration
  • One copy of a safety handout with safety concerns, equipment, and a MSDS for any chemical used.
  • The written packet must not be copied from another student or a previously published source. This includes books, or any Internet source.
  • You will be given a peer evaluation on the day your project is performed. This peer evaluation will allow you to evaluate your team members. All input will be held confidential.